Change your address online, by mail, or in person at the MVC

You can update your address on your New Jersey driver's license through the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) in three ways: online through the MVC website, by mail using Form BA-298, or in person at any MVC office. The online method is fastest and costs nothing. By mail takes one to two weeks. In-person visits require an appointment, which you can book on the MVC website.

New Jersey law requires you to report an address change within 60 days of moving. If you do not update it and are stopped by police, you may face a fine. The address on your license must match your current residence — a PO box does not count as a valid address for your license.

Key Takeaways

  • The online method through the MVC website is free and takes minutes, with no appointment needed.
  • You must report your address change within 60 days of moving to stay in compliance with state law.
  • If you change your address online or by mail, your physical license card keeps the old address until it expires and you renew it.
  • In-person visits at an MVC office require an appointment booked through the MVC website and may require documents like a lease or utility bill.
  • The MVC charges no fee for address changes on an active license.

Changing your address online through the MVC website

Go to nj.gov/mvc and log into your account using your driver's license number and date of birth. Select "Change Address" from the menu. Enter your new address and confirm it. The system will show you a summary before you submit. Once submitted, your change is recorded in the MVC database when ready.

Your physical license card will still show your old address until you renew it. When you renew — either at the normal expiration date or early — you can request a new card with the updated address printed on it. The address change itself is free and does not require an appointment or documents.

If you do not have an online account, you can create one on the same website using your driver's license number, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number. The system will send a confirmation email once your address is updated.

Changing your address by mail

read or request Form BA-298 (Address Change Form) from the MVC website or call the MVC at 609-292-6500. Fill in your current license number, your new address, and sign the form. Mail it to the address listed on the form — typically the MVC's central processing office in Trenton.

Processing by mail takes one to two weeks. You do not need to include any documents or payment. Like the online method, your physical card keeps the old address until renewal. Keep a copy of the form for your records in case you need to prove when you submitted the change.

Changing your address in person at an MVC office

Book an appointment through the MVC website at nj.gov/mvc. Select "Address Change" as your transaction type. Bring your current driver's license and one document proving your new address — a lease, utility bill, mortgage statement, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days all work. The MVC staff will update your record on the spot.

If you want a new physical card printed with your updated address the same day, you can request it during your visit. There is no fee for the address change itself, but printing a replacement card costs $24. You do not need to renew your license to get a new card with the correct address — you can request it anytime.

Appointment wait times vary by location and season. Some offices book weeks out, while others have same-day or next-day slots. Check the MVC website for current availability at your nearest office.

What happens if you miss the 60-day important date

New Jersey law says you must report a move within 60 days. If you do not and a police officer stops you, you can be issued a summons for operating with an invalid address. The fine is typically $50 to $200, depending on the officer's discretion and whether you have prior violations.

The violation does not affect your license status or driving record — it is a separate traffic offense. However, it is easier and free to update your address than to deal with a ticket. If you have already missed the important date, update your address now through any of the three methods above.

Updating your address for vehicle registration at the same time

Your driver's license address and your vehicle registration address do not have to match, but the MVC recommends keeping them the same to avoid confusion with mail and tickets. If you also need to change your vehicle registration address, you can do that online through the MVC website, by mail using Form BA-49, or in person at an MVC office.

You can handle both changes in a single in-person visit if you book an appointment for "Address Change" and bring the documents needed for both your license and registration. The registration address change is also free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to get a new physical license card when I change my address?

No. Your address change is recorded in the MVC system when ready, and that is what police see when they scan your license. Your physical card can keep the old address until it expires. If you want a new card printed with the new address, you can request one in person at an MVC office for $24.

What if I moved out of state but still have a New Jersey license?

You should update your address to your new out-of-state address if you are keeping your New Jersey license. The MVC will accept an out-of-state address. However, if you now live permanently in another state, you should consider getting a license in that state instead, since most states require you to get a local license within 30 to 60 days of moving.

Can I change my address if my license is suspended or expired?

Yes. You can change your address online or by mail even if your license is suspended or expired. If you want to do it in person, you will need an appointment, and the MVC staff can update your address regardless of your license status. However, if your license is suspended, you cannot legally drive until the suspension is lifted.

How long does it take to see the address change reflected in the system?

Online changes are recorded when ready. By mail, allow one to two weeks. In-person changes are recorded on the spot. Police and other agencies can see your updated address within hours of any method.

What if I do not have a document proving my new address?

Use the online or mail method instead — neither requires documents. If you must change your address in person and do not have a lease, utility bill, or bank statement, call the MVC at 609-292-6500 to ask what alternative documents they will accept.